Chapter 34: The Kiss

**Aldrich’s POV** We sat side by side on the weathered bench, the silence between us heavy and unspoken. She gazed into the distance, her profile illuminated by the soft glow of the setting sun. She looked radiant, almost otherworldly. Any other time, I would have admired her beauty unabashedly, but now, unease gnawed at me. Her quietness wasn’t serene; it was guarded, and I couldn’t help but worry that my earlier actions had unsettled her. I cursed myself inwardly. “What were you thinking, Aldrich? Acting so impulsively—like some lovesick fool!” If only I had kept my composure, our comfortable rapport would still be intact. But no, I had overstepped, and now the air between us felt strained. Trying to mask my turmoil, I forced a smile and asked, “Hey, would you like to watch the sunset later?” My voice came out awkwardly, my attempt at nonchalance clearly failing. She hesitated before responding, her voice softer than usual. “Of course.” Her tone lacked its usual enthus